The Essex Chronicle

[GazzaBTFC]

Two weeks ago I was asked to produce a piece for the Essex Chronicle about off the back of a Virgin survey about how much we supporters spend to support our clubs and why we do it. Chelmsford we're asked as was a couple of other clubs. I was asked various questions (i.e. What is the clubs greatest moment, what I do down the club, how long I've supported the club and why...) and asked to put the answers in a small piece of 100 to 150 words...

 

Having made the deadline, I haven't seen the article, so I thought I'd publish it here myself. It applies really to all supporters, not just those that follow BTFC (obviously I mention Billericay Town as I follow them).

 

Here it is...

 

Being a Billericay Town supporter has meant quite a lot over the past thirty two years (has it been that long? Doesn't time pass so quickly) since I first pitched up in 1974. From the three F A Vase final victories at Wembley stadium of the 1970's through to the ups and downs of the Isthmian (or Ryman) league, I can safely say, it's almost become a way of life. Especially now that I represent the supporters as Chairman of the Supporters Association and am now the match day announcer. From writing for the programme to providing music and photo's, there never is time to sit back and ask the question "Why do I do this?". I suppose it's because I've been supporting the club for so long, I have got some great memories and laughs out of it as well as some good friends. Win, draw or lose, we do it collectively as a club. Okay, there are those people that have a different opinion on a result or a player but shared over a pint, an opinion discussed, becomes part of what makes match days so good. And that is what makes following your local side so special. It's all about community.

 

There is also the travel to away games, a day out, be it to Chelmsford's Melbourne Park (2 nil up and you still can't beat us) or all the way to Worthing, come whatever the weather (I prefer it cold and wet, proper football weather). An then there is the emotional rollercoaster which comes with following Billericay. Without the lows, how can you appreciate the highs? Although I can certainly do with out the "lows" when driving back from the away games...One particular journey home I remember with a certain amount of depression was the journey back from Havant & Waterloovile after a particular damning F A Cup exit five seasons ago.

 

Every season starts with the anticipation of wanting your club to do well and that transfers to each game. Pre season becomes a chore because, even though we all know they are necessary for the players, we want to get to the real thing, games that count, the passion of a local derby and the excitement of wanting to do well in the league and F A Cup and will it be our turn this season to be the "minnow" team that takes on a Premier League side. It's that emotional ride that makes it all feel alive to me. And speaking for the club, from the Chairman, through the playing staff to the supporter on the terrace, we support our club because we want to see our club push on and be successful and be a part of that success. What other reason is there? None.

[Balmoral Claret]

A beautifully written piece of prose Gazza - no wonder the Chronicle chose not to print it!

[Rick the Dick]

Nice artical Gazza. Shame they haven't used it (yet).

 

BC. You lot still got the ache with the EC then? Thought you'd kissed and made up?

[nws]

Rick I believe we have also submitted an article to the EC.

[Balmoral Claret]

"BC. You lot still got the ache with the EC then? Thought you'd kissed and made up"

 

Yes - I believe our strained relationship could be on the mend - the EC group have now removed their boycott and placed an ad in our programme.